(MIAMI)— Hundreds of Florida teachers, librarians, parents, student leaders, school board members, authors, activists, and faith leaders signed a letter sent today to Gov. DeSantis, urging him to end his campaign of censorship and discrimination in public schools, saying it has harmed public education and violates basic rights.
The letter was signed by 584 individuals, including bestselling author Jodi Picoult and Karla Hernandez-Mats, president of the United Teachers of Dade {County}, the largest teachers union in the southeastern United States. It calls on the governor to reverse “this dark night of censorship” and instead “ensure our communities flourish with successful, accessible, inclusive, high-quality public schools.”
“It is distressing to see students, educators, and Floridians of all walks of life targeted and denied core freedoms to speak and express themselves,” the letter states.
The letter followed up on the Unified Voices Summit in Orlando July 12-13 and was signed by participating organizations, such as nonpartisan advocacy groups PEN America, Florida Freedom to Read Project, American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, and PRISM, among many others.
Katie Blankenship, senior director of PEN America’s Florida office, said: “The movement for accountability against censorship is gaining ground in Florida. Though our leaders have tried to silence educators, we are determined to reclaim our democracy and protect the freedoms to learn and read, which are guaranteed under the Constitution.”
Under Gov. DeSantis, Florida has banned more books than any other state, according to PEN America’s documentation since this unprecedented wave of censorship started in 2021. State legislation and policies have closed interfaith, women, and LGBTQ+ centers, and removed critical resources for diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition, standard curriculum has been erased on reproductive health education and historical struggles for equality by women and Black, Latine, Indigenous, Asian, LGBTQ+ Americans. while religious perspectives have been added, such as requiring lessons in Judeo-Christian values.
“Discrimination and erasure must not be Florida’s future,” the letter states. “Public schools are and must remain a public good. They must be a shining example of our democratic values.”
During the Unified Voices Summit, over 200 educators, authors and advocates gathered in Orlando, the largest movement meeting of its kind in response to the sweeping censorship in schools and campuses. Bestselling author Jodi Picoult provided a resounding keynote warning of the dangers of unchecked censorship and authoritarian tendencies. Historians gave historic context to current suppression tactics in the state aimed at marginalized groups.
The letter said: “We call on you today, and all of Florida’s leadership, to stop these tactics of suppression and instead provide the critical resources necessary to truly protect parents’ choice in education and ensure our communities flourish with successful, accessible, inclusive, high-quality public schools.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057